Well, how many people expected this series to look a little like the New York Yankees vs. the Minnesota Twins? Shows how much the pundits of the world know, huh? Count me in as one of those very pundits who felt like Game 1 Tuesday would be played in the Bronx and not across country in Oakland, California. But what a refreshing sight to see the Detroit Tigers make their first World Series run since 1987. Both teams deserve to be here and as far as on paper, they’re both as even as they come. The Scores Report handicaps the series…
Detroit Tigers
Strengths: Detroit’s strengths are coaching and balance in both its pitching rotation and lineup. Jim Leyland simply out coached Joe Torre in the ALDS and has done a remarkable job in during this most morbid franchise around. He knows how to win close games and Leyland will also take a risk or two during the course of a game that could change the momentum around for his squad. The Tigers also had the best pitching rotation in the MLB and on any given night, opponents could see a live rocket arm (Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya), a crafty veteran (Kenny Rogers) or two unfazed youngsters who can pitch in tough environments (Nate Robertson and Jeremy Bonderman). Detroit can also hit for power or average and have a complete workhorse in Carlos Guillen.
Weaknesses: The Tigers don’t have a shutdown closer and are way too impatient at the plate. Todd Jones has struggled in tight ballgames over the course of the season and always seems to let the leadoff man get on base in the ninth inning. For as good as Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez has been for Detroit for the past couple of season, he tends to be selfish and will swing at balls out of the strike zone and will chase pitches with a 3-0 count. Overall, the Tigers are going to have to be much more patient at the plate or Oakland’s pitchers will eat them alive (unlike New York’s pitching staff).
Oakland A’s
Strengths: The A’s have experience and pitching on their side. Oakland has been in the playoffs the past four out of six years, so the A’s have a major advantage over the Tigers in postseason experience. All four of the A’s starters that Detroit will face in the postseason had 10-plus wins in the regular season. Barry Zito out dueled the Twins’ Johan Santana in Game 1 at the Metrodome of the ALDS. He only gave up one run on four hits. Backing up Zito is Joe Blanton (who wasn’t even needed against Minnesota), Dan Haren (14 wins) and Esteban Loaiza (11 wins). Oakland also has a solid closer in Huston Street and a good holdman in Kiko Calero.
Weaknesses: The A’s hitters can get on base, but they ranked near the bottom in doubles, triples and slugging percentage. The bottom line for teams is getting on base and making runners get knocked in for runs (which Oakland has done). But in the playoffs you can’t live and die by singles alone and Frank Thomas can’t be the only guy hitting the ball in gaps and down the line for extra bases.
Do the Tigers remind anybody else of the ’05 Chicago White Sox?
Tigers in six.
